Fire extinguisher

ABSTRACT

A fire extinguisher for oil wells, and the like, has a first pipe connected to a well pipe and a second pipe branched from the first pipe. First and second valves are arranged in the first pipe, while a third valve is arranged in the second pipe. These valves are connected together and restrained from movement so that the first and second valves are normally-open and the third valve is normally-closed. When an element constructed from lead, and the like, is melted due to an increase in temperature caused by a, for example, fire in the first pipe, the first and second valves are released and permitted to move to closed positions, and the third valve is permitted to open, thus smothering the fire contained in the first pipe between the first and second valves while bypassing the communication with the oil well through the second pipe and into the atmosphere.

Dokes et al.

[ June 3, 1975 1 1 FlRE EXTlNGUlSl-IER [75] Inventors: Samuel Dokes; Alvin K. Isaiah, both of New Orleans, La.

[73] Assignees: Steven R. Plotkin; David Gertler,

both of New Orleans. La. part interest to each [22] Filed: June 4, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 476,286

[52] US. Cl. 169/69; 166/53; 169/19 [51] Int. Cl. A626 3/02 [58] Field of Search 169/69, 11, 16, 19; 166/90, 53

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,787,927 1/1931 Bullard 169/69 2,082,216 6/1937 Patton 169/69 X 2,450,537 10/1948 Williamson 169/11 3,486,562 12/1969 Goodloe et a1. 169/11 3,804,175 4/1974 Miller 169/11 X Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant E.\'aminer--Michael Mar Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Clarence A. OBrien; Harvey B. Jacobson [57] ABSTRACT A fire extinguisher for oil wells. and the like, has a first pipe connected to a well pipe and a second pipe branched from the first pipe. First and second valves are arranged in the first pipe, while a third valve is arranged in the second pipe. These valves are connected together and restrained from movement so that the first and second valves are normally-open and the third valve is normally-closed. When an element constructed from lead, and the like, is melted due to an increase in temperature caused by a, for example, fire in the first pipe, the first and second valves are released and permitted to move to closed positions, and the third valve is permitted to open, thus smothering the fire contained in the first pipe between the first and second valves while bypassing the communication with the oil well through the second pipe and into the atmosphere.

8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures EDJUH 3 ms SHEET PATENT Fig.4

FIRE EXTINGUISHER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION vention are as follows:

1,552,342 Sept. 1, 1925 1,648,107 Nov. 8. 1927 1,787,927 Jan. 6, 1931 l,879,l60 Sept. 27. 1932 2,949,960 Aug. 23, 1960 3,463,227 Aug. 28, 1969 3,620,299 Nov. 16. 1971 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a quick-acting and reliable apparatus for extinguishing oil wellfires.

It is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus for extinguishing oil well fires that permit smothering of a fire without blocking communication to the oil well.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fire extinguisher for oil wells, and the like, that is independent of external power sources and may remain in the field for prolonged periods of time without maintenance.

These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by providing an oil well fire extinguisher having: a first pipe connected to a well; a second pipe branching from the first pipe; a plurality of valves arranged in the first and second pipes for normally unblocking the first pipe and blocking the second pipe; and an arrangement of linkages including a detecting element responsive to the presence of fire in the first pipe for causing the valves to block the first pipe and unblock the second pipe for containing the fire in the first pipe and smothering the fire while communication with the well is bypassed through the second pipe.

The valves advantageously include a first valve and a second valve both arranged in the first pipe, and a third valve arranged in the second pipe. The first and second valves are arranged in their open positions or modes, while the third valve is arranged normally blocking the second pipe. The actuating arrangement of linkages preferably includes a first linkage connected to the first valve and the third valve, and a second linkage connected to the second valve and the third valve. The first and second linkages both are arranged for moving one of the valves to which the linkage is connected in response to a movement of the other valve to which the linkage is connected.

The actuating arrangement advantageously further includes a restraining element connected to the first valve and the first pipe for holding the first valve open. A temperature responsive releasable element connects the restraining element to the first pipe for disconnecting the restraining element from the first pipe and permitting the first valve to close on detection of a predetermined temperature increase associated with a fire in the first pipe.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view showing a fire extinguisher according to the present invention in its normal or unactuated mode.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the line 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, side elevational view, partly broken away and in section, showing to a larger scale the upper portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, schematic diagram showing the fire extinguisher of FIGS. 1 to 4 in its actuated, or fire extinguishing, mode.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, a fire extinguisher 10 according to the present invention has a first pipe line 12 connectible to an oil well (not shown) and the like, and a second pipe 14 branching from the first pipe in Saguaro-like fashion. Each pipe 12, 14 is provided with a nipple 16, 18 in which valves to be described below are advantageously, but not necessarily, arranged. Nipple 16 is actually a T which connects pipe 14 to pipe 12. As can be appreciated, pipes 12 and 14 may actually be constructed from a plurality of sections connected together by nipples l6 and 18 and suitable other collars, elbows, and the like.

A first valve 20 and a second, flap, valve 22 are arranged on pipe 12 so as to be normally-open. A third valve 24 is arranged in normally-closed mode in pipe 14. A first linkage 26 is connected to valve 20 and valve 24, and a second linkage 28 is connected to valve 22 and valve 24. Linkages 26 and 28 are both arranged for moving one valve to which the linkage is connected in response to a movement of the other valve to which the linkage is connected. The particular actuating arrangement of these valves will be described in greater detail below.

Pipe 12 has an outlet end 30-on which flap valve 22 is pivotally mounted. Valve 22 includes a flap 32 configured to fit over the end of pipe 12, and hinged to outlet end 30 as by a conventional hinge 34 and an L- bracket 36. A weight 38 is advantageously arranged on leg 40 of bracket 36, and the other leg 42 of the L- shaped bracket is arranged connected to linkage 28. It will be appreciated that linkage 28 is dimensioned so that flap valve 22 is held open as is shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings when valves 20 and 22 are both in their open positions.

Valve 20 and valve 24 are each provided with a rotatably mounted valve element 44'and 46, a shaft 48 and 50 connected to the valve element 44, 46 and arranged extending along the axis of rotation of the valve element, and a bracket 52 and 54 each provided with a crank 56 and 58, respectively, affixed to the respective shaft for selectively turning same. Linkage 26 is connected to crank 56 and crank 58, with at least one of these cranks being provided with a weight arranged bi- EEQE AVAILABLE COPY ,8 s 7 ,0 l l asing valve 20 toward its closed position and valve toward its open position. in the illustrated embodiment. crank 58 is shown provided with a weight iii Linkage 26 is advantageouslyprovided with a turnbuckle 62 for adjusting the setting of value elements 1-? '..nd 55:.

Linkage 28 includes a pair of substantially U-shaped brackets 6-1 and en, with the former bracket attached to the lever arm of bracket 54 other than the lever arm to which crank 58 is attached, and bracket being at tached to bracket 6d. The linkage between the leg of bracket 6 spaced from bracket 54 and leg i-Z of bracket 36 is also advantageously provided with a conventional turnbuckle '68 for adjusting the setting of the valves 22 and 24. As can best be seen from FIG. 1 of the drawings. linkages includes a link '71 having an enlarged end portion which cooperates with an eye 72 to cause engagement between link 76 and bracket ()6 only in one direction of movement of bracket (:6 This direction of movement is clockwise in FlG, 1.

An actuating arrangement 74 is advantageously provided which includes an assembly for restraining the valves in their normal positions. This assembly includes a linkage partially formed by a conventional coiled spring 76, and the like. and connected to a crank 77 mounted on bracket 56 and to a link 78 terminating at its spaced end in a hook 8t constructed from lead, and the like. it will be readily appreciated that the important parameter for selection of the material to form hook 89 is that it must melt at a temperature in the usual range of fires to be encountered. This hook t is normally arrangeable in a hole 82 provided in pipe 12 at end 30 thereof.

It is believed that operation of the invention can best be understood by referring to FIGS. 5 and 5 of the drawings.

To initially assemble a tire extinguisher it), a hole must be drilled through both, for example, nipples 1e, 18. A bolt is then inserted through each of the nipples. and a small strap and disc are bolted to the shank of the bolt and the strap provided with a half moon circle welded, and the like, to the shank of the bolt. These discs, which form valve elements 3-4, 46, must be positioned on the respective pipes so as to open and close as a cut-off valve on both nipples. Valve 20 opens to the left and valve 2 3 closes to the left. When the trap is sprung, valve 20 will close and valve 2 1 will open cutting off the flow of air from pipe 12 and opening pipe 1 When pipe 12 is closed, the flow of air is cut-off smothering the fire.

When a fire occurs in pipe E2, the temperature in the pipe and in the immediate vicinity of same will increase to a point which melts hook Arrangement 74 will now be released permitting brackets and to rotate counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively, to the positions shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. Vteight 60 will provide requisite force to cause brackets and 54 to so rotate, although the release of the tension on spring 76 will also contribute to this movement. Of course, the rotation of brackets 52, 54 will cause related rotation of shafts and 5% to close and open valves 2% and 24, respectively. This latter arrangement or" the valves 20 and 24 is shown in H6. 5. The clockwise rotation of bracket 5'? will simultaneously cause bracket 66 to swing upwardly to the position shown in FIG. 5 so that the bias of eye '72 on the enlarged end of link 7% is r leased and flap valve 22 is permitted to succumb to the bias of weight and block the outlet end 315 oi pip This latter position trated in i-i thus. valves 2i? and are now closed so that a fire will be contained between these valves and smothered, while the exhaust for the well is maintained through valve 113;. pipe ii.

As will be readily appreciated from the above de scription and from the drawings. a fire extinguisher according to the present invention provides a simple. yet reliable. device for instantly extinguishing problem fires in oil fields, and the like.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows;

3. A fire extinguisher for oil wells, comprising, in combination:

a. a first pipe connected to a well and extending from the well to an outlet end:

b. a second pipe branching from the first pipe;

0. valve means for normally unblocking the first pipe and blocking the second pipe, the valve means including a first valve arranged normally-open in the first pipe between the second pipe and the outlet end of the first pipe, :1 second valve arranged normally-open at the outlet end of the first pipe, and a third valve arranged normally-closed in the second pipe; and

d. actuating means responsive to the presence of a fire in the first pipe for causing the valve means to open the third valve in the second pipe and close the first and second valves in the first pipe for smothering fire contained in the first pipe between the first and second valves.

.2. A fire extinguisher for oil wells, comprising, in

combination:

a first pipe connected to a well;

b. a second pipe branching from the first pipe;

c. valve means for normally unblocking the first pipe and blocking the second pipe; and

d. actuating means responsive to the presence of a fire in the first pipe for causing the valve means to unblock the second pipe and block the first pipe for smothering fire contained in the first pipe, the valve means including a first valve and a second valve both arranged normallyopen in the first pipe and a third valve arranged normallyclosed in the second pipe, and wherein the actuating means includes a first linkage connected to the first valve and to the third valve, and a second linkage connected to the second valve and to the third valve, the first linkage and second linkage both arranged for moving one valve to which the linkage is connected in response to a movement of the other valve to which the linkage is connected.

A. structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the actuating means further includes restraining means connected to the first valve and to the first pipe for holding the first valve open, and releasable means connecting the restraining means to the first pipe for disconnecting the restraining means from the first pipe and permitting the first valve to close on detection of a predetermined temperature increase associated with the first pipe.

4. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the first pipe has an outlet end, and the second valve is a flap valve pivotally mounted on the outlet end. the flap valve being provided with a weight biasing the normally-open flap valve toward a closed position thereof.

5. A structure as defined in claim 4, wherein the first valve and third valve are each provided with a rotatably mounted valve element, a shaft connected to the valve element and arranged extending along the axis of rotation of the valve element, a crank affixed to the shaft, the first linkage being connected to the crank of the first valve and the crank of the third valve, at least one of the cranks being provided with a weight arranged biasing the first valve toward its closed position and the third valve toward its open position.

6. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the first pipe has an outlet end, and the second valve is a flap valve pivotally mounted on the outlet end, the flap valve being provided with a weight biasing the normal- ]y-open flap valve toward a closed position thereof.

7. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the first valve and third valve are each provided with a rotatably mounted valve element, a shaft connected to the valve element and arranged extending along the axis of rotation of the valve element, a crank affixed to the shaft, the first linkage being connected to the crank of the first valve and the crank of the third'valve. at least one of the cranks being provided with a weight arranged biasing the first valve toward its closed position and the third valve toward its open position.

8. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the first valve and third valve are each provided with a rotatably mounted valve element, a shaft connected to the valve element and arranged extending along the axis of rotation of the valve element, a crank affixed to the shaft, the first linkage being connected to the crank of the first valve and the crank of the third valve, at least one of the cranks being provided with a weight arranged biasing the first valve toward its closed position and the third valve toward its open position. 

1. A fire extinguisher for oil wells, comprising, in combination: a. a first pipe connected to a well and extending from the well to an outlet end; b. a second pipe branching from the first pipe; c. valve means for normally unblocking the first pipe and blocking the second pipe, the valve means including a first valve arranged normally-open in the first pipe between the second pipe and the outlet end of the first pipe, a second valve arranged normally-open at the outlet end of the first pipe, and a third valve arranged normally-closed in the second pipe; and d. actuating means responsive to the presence of a fire in the first pipe for causing the valve means to open the third valve in the second pipe and close the first and second valves in the first pipe for smothering fire contained in the first pipe between the first and second valves.
 1. A fire extinguisher for oil wells, comprising, in combination: a. a first pipe connected to a well and extending from the well to an outlet end; b. a second pipe branching from the first pipe; c. valve means for normally unblocking the first pipe and blocking the second pipe, the valve means including a first valve arranged normally-open in the first pipe between the second pipe and the outlet end of the first pipe, a second valve arranged normally-open at the outlet end of the first pipe, and a third valve arranged normally-closed in the second pipe; and d. actuating means responsive to the presence of a fire in the first pipe for causing the valve means to open the third valve in the second pipe and close the first and second valves in the first pipe for smothering fire contained in the first pipe between the first and second valves.
 2. A fire extinguisher for oil wells, comprising, in combination: a. a first pipe connected to a well; b. a second pipe branching from the first pipe; c. valve means for normally unblocking the first pipe and blocking the second pipe; and d. actuating means responsive to the presence of a fire in the first pipe for causing the valve means to unblock the second pipe and block the first pipe for smothering fire contained in the first pipe, the valve means including a first valve and a second valve both arranged normally-open in the first pipe and a third valve arranged normally-closed in the second pipe, and wherein the actuating means includes a first linkage connected to the first valve and to the third valve, and a second linkage connected to the second valve and to the third valve, the first linkage and second linkage both arranged for moving one valve to which the linkage is connected in response to a movement of the other valve to which the linkage is connected.
 3. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the actuating means further includes restraining means connected to the first valve and to the first pipe for holding the first valve open, and releasable means connecting the restraining means to the first pipe for disconnecting the restraining means from the first pipe and permitting the first valve to close on detection of a predetermined temperature increase associated with the first pipe.
 4. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the first pipe has an outlet end, and the second valve is a flap valve pivotally mounted on the outlet end, the flap valve being provided with a weight biasing the normally-open flap valve toward a closed position thereof.
 5. A structure as defined in claim 4, wherein the first valve and third valve are each provided with a rotatably mounted valve element, a shaft connected to the valve element and arranged extending along the axis of rotation of the valve element, a crank affixed to the shaft, the first linkage being connected to the crank of the first valve and the crank of the third valve, at least one of the cranks being provided with a weight arranged biasing the first valve toward its closed position and the third valve toward its open position.
 6. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the first pipe has an outlet end, and the second valve is a flap valve pivotally mounted on the outlet end, the flap valve being provided with a weight biasing the normally-open flap valve toward a closed position thereof.
 7. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the first valve and third valve are each provided with a rotatably mounted valve element, a shaft connected to the valve element and arranged extending along the axis of rotation of the valve element, a crank affixed to the shaft, the first linkage being connected to the crank of the first valve and the cranK of the third valve, at least one of the cranks being provided with a weight arranged biasing the first valve toward its closed position and the third valve toward its open position. 